PC Gaming Computer Specs

(Posted on 8/8/11 at 9:18 pm)

Don't want to break the bank on one but if I can get a decent one cheap enough I think I am going to pull the trigger.

Here are some of the specs I am looking at on a mid level gaming desktop. I would love a gaming laptop but even the cheap ones are more than I want to spend and don't have near the specs as this desktop.

quote:AMD Phenom II x4-955 processor 3.2GHz

4GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB)

1TB SATA hard drive

24x DL DVD+/-R/RW Drive

10/100/1000 Ethernet

AMD Radeon HD6450 Graphics With 1GB of video memory

I know dick about gaming on a PC but will this run the new games coming out? Mostly BF3 and maybe a few more.

Jeffo is likely more informed than I am, but our IT guy at works builds computers and my best friend pulled the specs on an AlienWare a few years ago (top of the line at the time) and it was well over $2000. This guy built the exact same thing for half with all the parts that were specified. It just didn't have an alien on the hard drive case.

Definately build your own if you know how stout. Much cheaper then buying it at a store. The specs you listed will be able to play any game that comes out. Maybe not on the highest detail but they'll all work. I suggest checking out newegg.com for component pricing. Sometimes they have really good deals on stuff.

Tell ya what to just compare and see. I'll run those by him and let you know. Multiple options are always good IMO. I should get you an answer by the time I leave work tomorrow, if you are just curious to see. I even think he offers a warranty on his work. Hell he used to build them all with a restore disc whereby if anything happened....virus, crashed it, etc...put in the disc and it automatically restored to brand new. He realized he was cutting himself out on future service calls so I think he stopped that now, but I'll ask him about it (even if for a few bucks more since you don't live around me). Just let me know. I'm headed to bed though.

-They're not easy to upgrade whereas a desktop you can build yourself and pop open the case to swap out video cards or RAM.

-If you're going to have it on your lap, it will melt your balls off with the heat produced by a nice processor/video card in such a small and poorly cooled case. If youre going to put it on a desk, then just get a laptop. You won't wanna play an online fps with a laptop anyways.

-One problem I always had with gaming sessions on my laptop was that after a while it would start to overheat, which would drop frames per second, which basically frick you over for any shooter.

EDIT: I've got friends that built their own from newegg.com and friends that weren't comfortable so they paid a little more and got one built for them from ibuypower.com

honestly, just get with a computer-savvy friend. a buddy of mine helped me build a sub-$1K PC (not including monitor). it's mainly for video work but it is a beast for games. haven't played a game I couldn't max yet. i went through newegg completely. I can post the specs off that or talk to my buddy if it helps.

Since you do not know much about computers and part compatibility I second the recommendation to have one built for you. The sites like ibuypower have drop-down menus and if you come to a build they will have a representative call you and make sure everything works before you place the order.

All games list a minimum... But they set those real low so more people buy the game. And it runs like shite. Find the minimum requirements list and go from there. Or look at other min specs for PC games released in 2011 if bf3's list isn't out (I don't know but I'm sure ham tonks does)